Parenting is not an easy job - particulary when it comes to life-and-death decisions.

In today's edition of The Courier, a story about the Schwartz family whose youngest member is waging a courageous battle against cancer serves as an example of such a difficult and heartwreching situation.

It's never easy to see a loved one suffer, especially when it's a child.

But this family - as well as their extended family members - are showing great strength, love and devotion during such a challenging time.

Although they haven't given up hope that baby Kaitlyn will somehow survive such a viscious form of cancer, they know every day of her life is filled with pain.

After trying numerous medical procedures with unsuccessful results, they have opted to stop treatment so the baby girl will not have to endure further agony.

It was no doubt a hard decision to make, and most likely, there will be people who question the family's choice.

But it's easy for people, who are not struggling with the day-to-day hardships of such a situation and who aren't looking into the face of a hurting child, to lend advice and negative comments.

What this family and so many others in similar situations need is our prayers.

Thousands of people have logged on to baby Kaitlyn's Web site and posted comments. Many have said they are praying for the child's recovery.

If nothing else, those people have given the family hope and the knowledge there are many individuals who care and wish them the best.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Schwartz family, as well as Kaitlyn's paternal grandmother, has acknowledged their appreciation.

We appreciate them for having the courage to make tough decisions and do what they feel is best for someone who is too young to decide for herself.